A few images from last night's meet vs Cal, which Utah won. One of Utah's gymnasts was awarded a 10 on vault--first time since 2008 that anyone has been given a 10 (but I'm not posting anything from that vault because, oddly enough , the still images don't do it justice). C&C welcome. As always, I'm trying for something a little different than last time out.
I'm almost out of things to say about your gymnastics work Russ. You know how I feel about it... and this set is up to your usual lofty standards. I'll go with #8 as a clear fave... just a fantastic capture in every way.
I like number 8 the best and love the faces of the people in #3 made me laugh guy on the way left and guy with camera for sure. Are you sure these weren't taken by him and you put them up?
Russ,
I love the close-up expression, isolation and bokeh of 1,5, 7, and 9.
Really, I am not a prude, but I don't find the crotch shot of 4 appealing as a photo. (If it were my daughter etc.). I k ow it can be hard not to include, but you have shown how in so many others.
Thanks Chris. I was stoked about that shot as well--now removed.
dj: I appreciate your feedback--thank you. The admiration is mutual!
scorpio1: Thank you.
Ben: Can't say I've often seen a tongue out in a gymnast, but whatever it takes to get your feet back on the 4-inch beam... Thanks for your comments.
Guy: I appreciate your sharing your thoughts about #4. To be honest, I suppose it's a matter of all things being relative. There are so many more obvious shots I wouldn't post that this one didn't strike me as problematic, but if you saw it that way, that's how some others will see it as well and I've no reason to take that chance. Thanks for your comments on the other images as well.
Nice shootin' Tex, uh, Russ!
I would just kill for that talent level and lighting in my current arena. Not that I could do as well as you, but I'm just sayin'
Nice set Russ. I'm liking the 1DX files, coupling it with 200/f2 or 85/1.2 really make the images pop!
Good to see Georgia (#4 & #5) having so much fun at Utah. She was a local gymnast and I've followed her through her elite career. A very photogenic gymnast to say the least!
Nice straddle on #1 but the partial blocked face bugs me a little. Same with #2 and #6, I wish you were on the other side of the beam to get the full face.
Most of these images were shot at ISO3200 and 1/1250, why not crank up the ISO to 6400 and 1/2500 to freeze the action more? I'll bet the difference in noise is not discernible
Thank you, Bill. That really was a sweet moment. Last anyone had seen of her, she was being carried off the floor immediately following her injury last week. This moment had a much better 'feel' to it, even if it was still tinged with sadness.
Bob: Yeah, the tongue is not something I can recall seeing before. Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks, Steven. I know what you mean. There are things about the nature of the light I don't much care for, but the amount of it is sufficient. And the talent level speaks for itself....well, almost. In some ways it ups the challenge because there's no real excuse for anything other than stunning gymnastics imagery.
Many thanks, Larry. I'm glad to hear your efforts were worth it. Now let's see some photos!
Very definitely, Caleb. I believe they average north of 14,000 per meet.
I started shooting gymnastics recently and I can definitely appreciate how good these look
Edit: BTW, just read your related blog post and agree whole-heartedly with your feeling about shooting gymnastics and the beauty/strength of the sport.
, the still images don't do it justice). C&C welcome. As always, I'm trying for something a little different than last time out.
Can't say I've often seen a tongue out in a gymnast, but whatever it takes to get your feet back on the 4-inch beam... Thanks for your comments.